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Archive for April 24th, 2011

Concept
The proposed urban configuration of the new Deichmanske Main Library capitalizes on the site’s morphologic potential. The site is centrally and prominently located between existing and up-and-coming cultural institutions. Positioned between the waterfront and the Oslo Fjord, the new library’s compact program has been divided into a number of volumes – ‘solitaries’ – that have been evenly dispersed throughout the site.

The renovation of this 1908 craftsman’s house and garage was completed in three phases over the course of 7-years. Interiors were opened up, basements were excavated to create additional living stories and modern details were introduced throughout the property, resulting in a final design that reveals multiple layers of time and occupancy. The small building footprints (600sf house / 500sf garage) are optimized for function and light while their new spatial connection across the courtyard makes the full site available for the daily use of the family.

The building is placed within the forecast area in a way that establishes a dialogue with its surroundings and respects the existing volumes and flows. At the eastern part of the building is open outer space – park area, which creates a multi-purpose entry space, space for socializing, events and open air exhibitions. It creates a gap between existing historical building and new construction, while joining the river bank with a transverse Street E. The difference of terrain height is designed in the form of the open air amphitheater. In this way it opens views towards the river bank and Lent also from inside of the area and generates perpendicular flows and connections.

The river Meuse serves many different purposes. Next to being an important transport route for inland shipping, its banks accommodate agriculture, plants, wildlife and recreational activity. The water that flows through the Meuse is used as drinking water, for industrial processes and as cooling water. Its summer bed is an important source of sand and gravel. In the event of flooding the danger must be gone against.